Skipjacks dominate Northern Virginia, 85-47
By BENJAMIN BRUNNER
WYE MILLS – Chesapeake College's thrilling, overtime victory last Friday against Harcum College was only the prelude to could be developing into a fantastic women's basketball season for the Skipjacks. They moved to 2-0 by defeating Northern Virginia Coummunity College, 85-47, Tuesday night in a Region XX contest.
Chesapeake guard Janice Ladson led the way with 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and a steal. Shahra Madison (seven points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, one steal) and Emily Truitt (nine points, eight rebounds, four steals) spearheaded the Skipjacks' defensive dominance.
"We have a lot to work on but we are getting there," said Chesapeake head coach Gwen Barnes about the team's need for improvements to keep their winning streak going. "I have a young team, but they come with so many different skills and in my mind that's a good thing."
Northern Virgini's Nighthawks began their season with only six players in this opening away game, and Chesapeake's deeper bench and ball-hawking defense were both factors early. Chesapeake used six first-quarter steals – two by guard Chantelle Gross, both resulting in breakaway layups – to outscore the Nighthawks, 22-8, in the opening period.
Gross (17 points, three steals) also led the opening-quarter assault with six points.
Northern Virginia began to show signs of offensive life in the second quarter, but it was too little, too late. Forward Sheila Sherill had six second-quarter points to lead the Nighthawks, who had five field goals but made only 7-of-13 free throws in the period.
Chesapeake, meanwhile, received contributions from numerous players as the Skipjacks stretched their lead to 46-25 at the break.
Gross and Truitt (nine points, eight rebounds, four steals) each hit 3-pointers, the Skipjacks made 67 percent of their free throws, and Ladson had back-to-back layups during a second-quarter run. Ladson, who scored a total of 12 first-half points, had nine points in the second quarter alone.
Chesapeake scored 39 second-half points and was never seriously challenged by the Nighthawks after the break.
Chandni Taylor (14 points, four rebounds, one steal) joined Ladson and Gross in double figures for Chesapeake. Deondria Wimber added seven points, two assists and two rebounds.
The Skipjacks will compete in the Harford Hoops Classic Friday at noon against ASA College and Saturday at 10 a.m. in a rematch with Northern Virginia.